Dr Colin Chartres, director-general of International Water Management Institute, based in Colombo, Sri Lanka, is to speak at
World Potato Congress 2012 (WPC2012).
The water management specialist, whose Institute has just won the 2012 Stockholm Water Prize, the world’s most prestigious prize for outstanding achievements in water related research activities, will be speaking about new modelling results related to global water scarcity and food security which will have implications for future potato production.
Over 400 delegates have already booked their place at WPC2012, the event is looking to be a big hit with all sectors of the potato industry.
Potato Council head of R&D, Dr Mike Storey says: “We are delighted to have so many top-class international researchers to speak at the Congress. Dr Chartres has a wealth of experience in water resource management and it is a great opportunity to increase our knowledge on efficient water use.”
IWMI won the 2012 Stockholm Water Prize for research in agricultural water management, food security enhancement, environmental health protection and alleviation of poverty in developing countries. IWMI has been researching and promoting policies and techniques to help farmers become more water efficient and to implement solutions that enable agriculture to maintain yields with limited water resources.
“Other workshops will be given by specialists such as Kevin Clayton-Greene of Ausveg, Herman Verveld of Retail Fresh, HZPC and Nora Olsen of the University of Idaho,” continues Dr Storey. “This unique occasion will offer practical information to the whole potato supply chain from growers, processors and wholesalers to supermarket buyers. There will be something for everyone at WPC2012.
“Bookings for the congress are selling fast – and industry tours are proving particularly popular. I strongly encourage everyone who has not already booked their place to do so in the next few days to avoid disappointment.”